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ADHD Testing for Gifted Adults & Teens: When High IQ Hides Executive Function Symptoms
Gifted adults and teens are often overlooked when it comes to ADHD.Why?Because intelligence can compensate for ADHD symptoms — sometimes for decades. High-IQ individuals learn to work around weaknesses instead of being supported for them. They get labeled: “Smart but inconsistent.” “So capable, but doesn’t apply themselves.” “Brilliant, but disorganized.” “High potential, poor follow-through.” These contradictions are classic signs of gifted ADHD , also known as twice-except

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
6 days ago2 min read


What Happens During an Immigration Psychological Evaluation? A Step-by-Step, Evidence-Based Guide
Many people preparing for an immigration psychological evaluation worry about what will happen — and how it will affect their case. An immigration psychological evaluation is a structured clinical assessment designed to document mental health symptoms, trauma impact, and functional impairment in ways that are directly relevant to USCIS and immigration case criteria. This comprehensive guide breaks down what to expect at each stage, why it matters, and how clinicians ensure

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Feb 93 min read


Are Telehealth Immigration Evaluations Accepted by USCIS? (California Guide)
Many clients wonder whether immigration psychological evaluations can be completed through telehealth—especially those in rural areas, those with trauma-related anxiety, or individuals balancing childcare and work schedules. The good news is that USCIS accepts telehealth immigration psychological evaluations, including asylum, hardship waivers, VAWA, U Visa, and T Visa evaluations. In California, licensed psychologists are fully permitted to conduct these evaluations via secu

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Feb 33 min read


Why ADHD Symptoms Get Worse in Your 20s and 30s: Stress, Hormones, and Burnout
Why ADHD Symptoms Get Worse in Your 20s and 30s A surprising number of adults report the same experience: “I was fine in high school and college, but now my ADHD symptoms feel out of control.” “Why am I suddenly overwhelmed all the time?” “Did my ADHD get worse — or is something else going on?” The truth is: ADHD doesn’t get worse. Life gets harder. And once the structure of childhood and early adulthood disappears, ADHD symptoms begin to reveal themselves. Here’s why your 20

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 272 min read


Why Psychological Evaluations Increase Approval Rates in Immigration Cases
Immigration cases are won on evidence . But not all evidence is created equal. In 2025–2026, immigration psychological evaluations are no longer viewed as optional add-ons — they’re often essential documents that boost credibility, clarify trauma impact, and provide objective clinical data that adjudicators rely on when making high-stakes decisions. This blog explains why psychological evaluations increase approval odds across major immigration case types and how to ensure

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 263 min read


How Trauma Impacts Memory: What Immigration Courts Need to Understand
Many immigration cases—especially asylum , VAWA , U Visa , and trafficking cases —rely heavily on a person’s ability to describe traumatic events. But trauma does not behave like ordinary memory. Survivors often feel embarrassed or scared when they cannot remember every detail of what happened to them. Attorneys, too, may worry that “inconsistent” memories will weaken a case. The truth is this: Trauma profoundly alters the brain’s ability to store, organize, and retrieve memo

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 203 min read


ADHD Masking: How Smart, Anxious, or People-Pleasing Adults Hide Their Symptoms
ADHD Masking: How Smart, Anxious, or People-Pleasing Adults Hide Their Symptoms Most adults with ADHD aren’t disorganized, visibly inattentive, or chaotic. In fact, many are the opposite: Overly responsible Highly attentive to others’ needs Emotionally self-aware Driven, high-achieving, or perfectionistic Chronic over-thinkers People who show up early, over-prepare, and never miss deadlines These are the adults who often say: “No one would ever guess I have ADHD.” “I’m so org

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 132 min read


Cultural Considerations in Immigration Psychological Evaluations: Why They Matter for USCIS Decisions
Why Culture Isn’t Optional in Immigration Psychological Evaluations When people think of psychological evaluations in immigration law, they often assume it’s just about symptoms: anxiety, PTSD, depression. But culture deeply shapes how people think, feel, remember, and communicate about trauma and hardship . Without a culturally informed evaluation, an adjudicator may misinterpret important aspects of a person’s story — putting credibility, outcomes, and legal success at risk

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 124 min read


VAWA Psychological Evaluations: Why Mental Health Documentation Matters
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides immigration protections for individuals who have experienced domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident partner or relative. For many survivors, a psychological evaluation becomes an essential part of telling their story safely and accurately. This article explains what a VAWA psychological evaluation includes, why attorneys recommend it, and how it can strengthen your case. What Is a VAWA Psychological Eval

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Jan 63 min read


What ADHD Looks Like in High-Functioning Adults — And Why Many Don’t Realize They Have It
Many adults with ADHD don’t fit the stereotype of being disorganized or visibly inattentive. In fact, some are: High achievers People-pleasers Perfectionists Overworkers Gifted or highly intelligent Emotionally insightful Professionally successful These individuals often fall into high-functioning ADHD — a version of ADHD that is masked by coping strategies, anxiety, or attachment patterns. Why High-Functioning Adults Don’t Realize They Have ADHD 1. They’ve built compensatio

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Dec 30, 20252 min read


How a Psychological Evaluation Can Strengthen Your Extreme Hardship Waiver Case (I-601 / I-601A)
Extreme hardship waivers (I-601 and I-601A) are among the most complex and emotionally heavy parts of the immigration process . When a loved one faces removal or prolonged separation, the psychological impact on the qualifying relative can be profound. A psychological evaluation is often one of the most influential pieces of evidence in demonstrating this hardship to USCIS. If your attorney recommended a hardship waiver psychological evaluation, this article explains why it m

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Dec 23, 20253 min read


ADHD Testing in San Diego: How to Choose the Right Psychologist for Accurate Results
Searching for ADHD testing in San Diego can feel overwhelming — dozens of clinics, telehealth services, and online companies all claim to diagnose ADHD. And when ADHD is misdiagnosed, two things happen: People receive medications or treatment plans that don’t fit their actual condition. They continue struggling in their relationships, career, and emotional life with no clarity. This guide will help you identify what actually matters when choosing an ADHD testing provider. 1.

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Dec 16, 20252 min read


Do You Need a Psychological Evaluation for Asylum? Here’s What to Expect
Seeking asylum in the United States is often a long and emotionally overwhelming journey. Many asylum seekers have survived violence, persecution, or threats in their home countries—events that can leave lasting emotional and psychological impacts. A psychological evaluation can play a crucial role in documenting these experiences in a way that supports your claim. If your attorney has recommended an asylum psychological evaluation, you might be wondering what it involves, wh

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Dec 9, 20254 min read


The Cost of ADHD Testing: What You’re Really Paying For (And How It Saves Money Long-Term)
Most people searching for ADHD testing have one big question: “How much does this actually cost — and is it worth it?” It’s a fair question. ADHD evaluations aren’t cheap, and they vary widely depending on who you see, what’s included, and how comprehensive the process is. But what many people don’t realize is that ADHD testing is not just paying for a diagnostic label — you’re paying for clarity, accuracy, and a roadmap that prevents years of frustration, misdiagnosis, and

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Is It Worth Getting Tested for ADHD as an Adult? (Short Answer: Yes)
Why adults hesitate to get ADHD testing Many adults have lived with ADHD symptoms for decades without a diagnosis. You may think, “I’ve...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Nov 25, 20252 min read


ADHD Testing for College Students: What You Need to Know Before Getting Accommodations
Why ADHD often shows up in college College can be an exciting, freeing time—but it’s also the first time many students are fully...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Nov 18, 20252 min read


Can My Primary Care Doctor Diagnose ADHD— or Do I Need a Psychological Evaluation?
Why many people start their ADHD journey with their doctor If you’ve wondered about ADHD, your first step may have been talking to your...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Nov 11, 20252 min read


Do Online ADHD Quizzes Really Work? Why a Full Psychological Evaluation Matters
The rise of quick ADHD quizzes and misdiagnoses In the age of the internet, it takes less than five minutes to click through an online...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Nov 4, 20253 min read


How Long Does ADHD Testing Take? What to Expect From Start to Finish
Worried ADHD testing will take forever? One of the most common questions people ask is: “How long does ADHD testing actually take?” The...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Oct 28, 20252 min read


ADHD and Learning Disorders: Why They Overlap—and Why Psychological and Educational Evaluation Matters
When it's more than “just ADHD” When parents bring their child in for an ADHD evaluation, they’re often surprised to learn about a second...

Dr. Tilbe Ambrose
Oct 21, 20252 min read
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